Back several years ago I became aware of the fact that having a volunteer at the church would make a world of difference.

So I put the feelers out.

Now'days Daniel's job sucks. He's a phlebotomist. He sucks blood.

Enter Daniel Sanders. He began by helping organize all the clutter around the office. The appropriate term is well lived in.

Daniel was a huge help. Then the annual missions conference came round and there was Daniel stepping it up. I could NOT have done it without him.

Turned out, over the course of the next few years there were many times I couldn't have done something I was doing without Daniel.

What I found in Daniel over this time was a dependable helper in the work I was doing. I could ask of him nearly anything and he'd see it get done.

About a year ago Daniel was in Japan living and working and using his Japanese. He had worked here at a grocery store, saved his money, bought a ticket and went to Japan. It was so cool seeing his posts and experiences over there.

Daniel never seems to be more comfortable than when he is hanging out with Japanese people.

Today Daniel has a job and I'm working on new stuff outside of church. So, the volunteering isn't happening anymore.

I still love when he has a day off and comes by the house. His creative mind and his off brand of humor make me so happy. I get such a kick out of him.

A friend who'll come over and take all the beer from the fridge of a guy who gave up drinking a year ago is a true friend. don't drink it all in one sitting Daniel. You could end up like me... needing to quit it entirely.

He went from being a dependable volunteer to being a dependable friend.